Page 23 of Sleigh My Name
Liam smiles, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he strums a chord. He singsFirst Day of My Lifeby Bright Eyes; his voice is clear and strong. It’s a song I’ve never heard before, but it feels familiar, like a melody from a forgotten dream.
CHAPTER 11
Liam—Three Weeks Later
“This is so beautiful.”
Charley’s dark eyes glisten as moonlight bounces off banks of snow and the horse-drawn sleigh takes us to our destination: our wedding ceremony.
“I don’t know how you made all of this come together so quickly.”
I slip a hand into hers beneath the furry blanket draped over our laps. “I’ve been dreaming of this moment since I bought this land. Your name was etched on this place before Whiskey Heart was even open.” I lean in and press my lips to hers. “It was always missing something. Now it’s perfect.”
Charley swallows, emotion-filled tears spiking her eyelashes. “A New Year’s Eve wedding under the winter stars…” She shakes her head, and her eyes fall closed. “I don’t know what I did to deserve all of this.”
“You stole my heart, Charley.” I tip her chin, swiping away a stray teardrop.
“But are you sure? Really sure? I come with a lot of baggage.”
I trace my thumb over her temple. “You could come with all the suitcases in the world, and I still wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. Don’t worry. I want this. I want you.”
“No, really, Liam—you mended a heart you didn’t break. You’re loving a child you didn’t make. My baggage is so heavy, I would never expect anyone to help me carry it.”
“Hey.” My fingers find the warmth of her cheeks. “You’re my everything. Trust me when I say I’ve got you.Allof you.”
Fresh tears glisten in her eyes as I hold her close. The hushed whisper of fresh snow beneath the rhythmic sway of the sleigh holds us captive in the moment. It is a holiday miracle—when Charley Heart Markam truly becomes mine.
“Are you ready for forever, Ms. Markam?” I ask when the sleigh comes to a slow halt. “I’m overdue on my forever with you.”
Charley smiles. “I’m ready.”
I help my gorgeous girl out of the sleigh, laughing as she stumbles over the long train of her winter gown and falls into my arms. “Looks like you’ve finally fallen as hard as I did the day you walked into my life.”
I squeeze her ass, and a deep berry red blooms across her cheeks. “I’ll always catch you.”
“Come on now, kids. Hands to yourselves for a little longer. We need to stay on schedule if you want to get hitched before the New Year.” Linda’s voice cuts through the air as she whisksCharley from my arms. She shoots me a warning glare as I release her reluctantly. “Settle down, Evans. You’re damn lucky I let you break tradition and ride over in the sleigh together.”
I huff, missing Charley’s warm body against mine.
“Go on, go on.” Linda waves me up the aisle.
I walk the few yards to the base of the big evergreen we kissed under a few weeks ago. I nod at the officiant when I reach him, shuffling back and forth in my fancy shoes while winter hymns play on a hidden speaker.
The officiant grins. “Are you ready, son?”
I nod, unable to speak. This is it. This is my forever with Charley.
Penny skips down the aisle, tossing mistletoe and red rose petals into the air in true flower girl fashion. She curtsies when she reaches the end and winks at me.
I smile, warmth spreading through me as I gaze at that little girl with adoration. Even though I didn’t bring her into this world, I’m incredibly fortunate to have her in my life.
Penny takes a seat beside Linda, and the music shifts.
I suck in a breath. Thoughts vacate my mind, and the world falls away as my gaze lands on my girl—my fucking life.
Charley moves, taking slow, deliberate steps toward me. She’s breathtaking in her clouds of white, the veil now perfectly secured in her hair to shield her eyes. My heart hammers against my ribs, a frantic drumbeat mirroring the frantic joy threatening to overwhelm me. All I can see, all I can feel, is her.
“You’re a fucking vision,” I breathe as soon as she’s in earshot.
